Why help flyers and drivers, but not train passengers?

Ashley Harley

RICK JACKSON: Girl power rules – at the age of two

I was sitting on Fratton station, waiting for yet another delayed train, when I read that train fares are set to rise sharply from this month.

I’m wondering why there should be any sort of price increase at all.

The rail service has not improved since the last time fares were put up. Meanwhile many people are earning less or the same as they were last year, so to me it seems like the train operators are exploiting a captive audience.

I think it’s about time rail bosses’ bonuses are scrutinised publicly.

Another thing – why is it okay to cut fuel duty for motorists and subsidise air travel, whilst making train passengers pay more? Aren’t trains one of the most environmentally-friendly forms of transport?